New York should expand child care programs amid a "crisis" of caregiving facing families, state Attorney General Letitia James said Sunday at a campaign rally centered around the issue. 

James is highlighting the child care issue as state lawmakers in the coming days could approve a budget that increases spending for child care programs and expands access to more middle-income families in New York to subsidized care. 

“The child care crisis predates the pandemic and now we have the opportunity to make real investments in affordable, high-quality child care and early education for the entire state,” she said. “I have fought for child care my entire career and I will continue to champion the expansion of child care and the workers who educate and care for our young children.”

The push for child care came at a campaign event for James, a sign the issue could be a potent one for voters this year as more people return to workplaces as pandemic restrictions ease. 

James is seeking a second term this year and is expected to face Republican Michael Henry in a general election.

State lawmakers are considering an expansion of child care that could see billions of additional dollars spent on programs. In the Legislature, lawmakers have called for budgets meant to expand pre-Kindergarten programs in the state and increase subsidy eligibility to undocumented New Yorkers. 

"Safe, affordable, and reliable child care is a public utility, one that we desperately need to get New York back on track,” said Sen. Jessica Ramos. 

The budget is expected to pass by the end of the month.